Already the middle child of the Focus line, the 2018 Ford Focus ST is now doubly so as Ford expands the ST family beyond the Focus and Fiesta with the 2019 Ford Edge ST. But fear not for the scrappy Focus ST, for it's thriving in its position mid-way between the frugality of the basic Focus and the ferocity of its hyperactive RS sibling (both covered elsewhere).
What's New for 2018
The Ford Focus ST continues its reign of mid-level mayhem unchanged for 2018.
Choosing Your Focus ST
There's but one trim, but there are plenty of ways Ford lets buyers customize their 2018 Focus ST. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque powers the four-door, hatchback-only Focus ST. That power is sent to the front wheels via the six-speed manual it shares with the RS, allowing the ST to post respectable EPA figures of 23 miles per gallon city/32 mpg highway (despite it being fast and fun to drive).
The 2018 Ford Focus ST starts at $25,950 (including the $875 destination charge) and goes beyond bold bodywork and fancy badges. Also included among its exterior enhancements are 18-inch Rado Gray alloy wheels, rear and chin spoilers, a bright-tipped center-exit exhaust, fog lights with gloss black bezels, and power body-color manual-fold exterior mirrors with integrated blind-spot monitoring and turn signal indicators.
Inside, one will find a host of unique ST-logo'd features including cloth sport seats with a 60/40 flat-folding rear bench, a perforated-leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, leather-wrapped and alloy shift knob, and analog mini-cluster gauges (including turbo boost pressure). Also included is Ford’s SYNC enhanced voice recognition infotainment system with a 4.2-inch driver-configurable color LCD display cluster, manual climate control, a four-way adjustable tilt and telescoping steering column, perimeter locking with push-button start and MyKey owner controls, and dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors.
Much of what sets the ST apart, however, can’t be seen, including its sport-tuned all-independent suspension with Torque Vectoring Control handling-enhancement and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, all of which works to transform the standard Focus’ commute-oriented nature into a corner-carving back road terror.
ST buyers can choose from six colors (four of which are straight from the Mustang's palette): Shadow Black, Oxford White, Blue Metallic, and Magnetic are freebies, while Hot Pepper Red adds $395 and Triple Yellow is $595.
From there, Ford offers two major equipment packages to pack the Focus ST with even more features. The 401A Package ($3,680) adds Sync 3, partial leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, HID headlights, cornering lamps, a power moonroof, an overhead console, and a Sony audio system. The 402A Package ($5,680) builds on the 401A and adds navigation, heated leather seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, a heated three point steering wheel, heated side mirrors, a rear armrest, ambient lighting, an exterior keypad, and a carbon fiber interior accent package.
Ford has baked all of the fun into the base Focus ST, which means choosing either option package is a matter of adding comfort, infotainment, and convenience features. All told, an all-in Focus ST with the 402A Package and optional wheels and tires runs $32,155, so value-minded buyers should look to a ST equipped with the 401A Package with the optional navigation system, as its $30,950 price tag is easier to swallow.